[s-cars] (no subject)

[David Molk]

In the continuing saga of my wife's S6 with the dealer destroyed timing
belt, head, etc., I have had a couple of illuminating conversations
with Alicia Chambers of Audi of America. She was quite helpful the
first time around, seeming flabbergasted that the dealer would not work
with us to fix the car in a manner satisfactory to us. Despite AoA's
desire not to get involved in a non warrantee fix, she offered to call
the dealer to have the owner contact me. After about a week, I called
AoA again and was surprised when Alicia Chambers answered again. There
must be some guidance system on the phones, or maybe she is the only
one in customer service! She again offered to call the dealer, and
again expressed surprise.

The third call was most interesting. Again, I got Alicia Chambers just
by dialing in on the 800 number. I was attempting to have AoA send me
the factory "line" on what they recommend as service for a car brought
in after running with a broken timing belt. First she told me they had
no technicians, so I asked how they built the cars. I was then informed
that Audi would not help me, and that I should contact the local
dealer, as this was whom Audi trained and whom they stand behind. I
explained that they are the one who destroyed the motor by using
unauthorized repair methods. Alicia Chambers said Audi would not send
me information, but that my LAWYER should know how to get it. A nice
change from formerly sympathetic Audi Customer service. I asked about
the Dealer's response to AoA and she said the dealer never returned her
calls. My chagrin was showing as I pointed out this is the dealer AoA
wants me to contact for information!
Anyway, DMV and the lawyers all want the repair plan from the Dealer in
writing, which I have thus far been asking for (Certified mail, RRR)
but have not received. I am sure the dealer figures I will eventually
wear down and just have him fix it, to get this behind me. Meanwhile,
with this rather unhelpful AoA factory position, I will be very hard
pressed to purchase another Audi, despite owning two right now. The
cars seem so much better than the producer or the supporter.

Happily cruising the snowy northeast in my diesel Ford f250 with plow
and sander,

Rich Molk

(PS the wife seems to be adjusting to the Volvo V70R AWD wagon (260HP)
with the automatic which she previously spurned--she is wondering if
her left foot will remember its purpose)